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STANDING PATS
After Reggie Bush, the top-rated running back on the Patriots draft board was Minnesota's Laurence Maroney.
The top-rated wide receiver on the Patriots draft board was Florida's Chad Jackson.
And one of the top-rated tight ends was Texas' David Thomas.
Even with Corey Dillon, the Pats hope Laurence Maroney will pay off in the long run.
Even with Corey Dillon, the Pats hope Laurence Maroney will pay off in the long run.
The Patriots wound up with all three, which means quarterback Tom Brady should have a lot more weapons surrounding him this coming season.
Maroney is expected to be an immediate and significant contributor to the Patriots offense. Jackson and Thomas -- who displayed remarkably soft hands during the team's recent minicamp -- are expected to do the same.
And there is also one other connection to note from New England's draft class, aside from the team's ability to upgrade its offense.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick has developed a pipeline between Foxboro and Gainesville. Belichick visited Florida coach Urban Meyer last year to study offense, but came away with inside information on many players, including Jackson, whom New England coveted.
The Patriots also used their sixth-round pick on Florida linebacker Jeremy Mincey and then signed three more Florida players to undrafted rookie free-agent contracts. So Florida essentially is now New England's Triple-A team.
Seem like Maroney is living up to his hype.
After Reggie Bush, the top-rated running back on the Patriots draft board was Minnesota's Laurence Maroney.
The top-rated wide receiver on the Patriots draft board was Florida's Chad Jackson.
And one of the top-rated tight ends was Texas' David Thomas.
Even with Corey Dillon, the Pats hope Laurence Maroney will pay off in the long run.
Even with Corey Dillon, the Pats hope Laurence Maroney will pay off in the long run.
The Patriots wound up with all three, which means quarterback Tom Brady should have a lot more weapons surrounding him this coming season.
Maroney is expected to be an immediate and significant contributor to the Patriots offense. Jackson and Thomas -- who displayed remarkably soft hands during the team's recent minicamp -- are expected to do the same.
And there is also one other connection to note from New England's draft class, aside from the team's ability to upgrade its offense.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick has developed a pipeline between Foxboro and Gainesville. Belichick visited Florida coach Urban Meyer last year to study offense, but came away with inside information on many players, including Jackson, whom New England coveted.
The Patriots also used their sixth-round pick on Florida linebacker Jeremy Mincey and then signed three more Florida players to undrafted rookie free-agent contracts. So Florida essentially is now New England's Triple-A team.
Seem like Maroney is living up to his hype.
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